Shining our Light

How do we bring light into our world? This is one of the questions we ask ourselves at Hanukkah. Of course, the lighting of candles every night during the darkest season literally brings light to our homes. Beyond the literal meaning of light and darkness, we challenge ourselves as individuals and our community collectively to bring joy, compassion, and healing to our world. 

In preparation for Hanukkah, we asked our students to consider this idea of bringing light to the world. Students answered the question  “How do I bring light to….” all the different layers of our world, starting with ourselves and then working outward (Ourselves, Family, Classroom, School, Portland, USA, Israel, The World). Those eight realms are represented by the eight candles of the hanukkiah. The students’ responses about how they personally bring light to each of those realms are the flames. Here are examples of points of light emitting from each flame. 

 

How do you bring light to yourself? 

I exercise, be healthy and don’t hurt myself.-Lilian

I play baseball.-Henry K.

I take good care of myself.-Ashie

 

How do you bring light to your family? 

I play with my little brother.-Ethan

I help cook and help with chores.-Maya E.

We have game night that brings joy.-Maia

 

How do you bring light to your classroom? 

I cheer them up, help them with projects.-Gigi 

I am a good role model.-Ben

I congratulate people when they score goals in World Cup.-Daniel

 

How do you bring light to your school?

I donate books.-Lily

I put things back when I am done.-Ronen

I show kavod and help new kids.-August

 

How do you bring light to your city?

I recycle.-Theo

I share with people.-Avinoam

I live here!-Izzy

 

How do you bring light to your country?

I’ll vote.-Miriam

I think I can help by being the best person I can be.-Noa 

I respect our laws.-Maya G

 

How do you bring light to Israel?

Singing HaTikvah.-Laya

I stay informed.-Leiden

I watch the news and participate in events that help.-Eitan

 

How do you bring light to the world?

Be kind to the environment, no littering.-Lula

Work for the world by stopping climate change.-Jameson

Help others.-Zakai

 

This beautiful idea and the execution of it was a collaborative effort of the third, fourth, and fifth grade teaching team, Maya V, Jana, and Dani. 

This year early childhood explored the Hanukkah with the lens of B'tzelem Elohim (in God’s image). Recognizing one's own divine image causes us to recognize the divine potential within ourselves and every human being. Each family took home a lantern that they decorated with their child. These were used to light up our hallway along with transparent portraits of the children. Hanukkah is a beautiful time to focus on all the light that can see in each other and the light that we share with those around us. Each little light shines bright at PJA. May they continue to dispel the darkness in the world. 

Thank you to all PJA faculty in the Early Childhood, Day School, and After School Programs for helping our children find the light within themselves and sharing it with our community.